Biography:

David Glasgow Farragut was the first admiral of the United States. Farragut, born James Glasgow Farragut, was the son of a ferryboat operator and sailing master in the US Navy. James changed his name to David in 1814, in honor of David Porter Jr., who became young James’s guardian after his parents’ deaths. Farragut became a midshipman in 1810, at the age of nine. He served in the War of 1812 on the Essex, and at age twelve commanded the prize ship Alexander Barclay. After the war, Farragut served in the Mediterranean and the West Indies before marrying and settling in Norfolk, Virginia, where he lived until 1861. When Virginia seceded, Farragut left Norfolk, moving to Hastings-on-Hudson, New York, where he awaited orders. He was called to duty in December 1861 with orders to take New Orleans and open the Mississippi River up to Union traffic. In contrast to George McClellan, Farragut was willing to take risks if he thought the potential gains significant. He was successful in taking New Orleans and the Mississippi River forts by summer 1862 and he was made a rear admiral. By the end of 1862, he had closed every Gulf port except Mobile. After suffering some defeats in 1863, Farragut returned to New York. He was back in the Gulf in early 1864, however, where his target was Mobile. During a battle that August, Farragut reportedly ordered “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead” and succeeded in taking Mobile Bay, the first significant Union victory in nine months. On December 23, 1864, Lincoln signed a bill creating the office of vice admiral and nominated Farragut to it. Congress later created the rank of full admiral, specifically for Farragut, and he was appointed on July 26, 1866. After the war, Farragut toured Europe, promoting peaceful relations. After suffering from a heart attack from which he never fully recovered, he died at Portsmouth, New Hampshire in 1870.